Funky Finds

Book Review: Finding Deep & Wide

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:55:00 +0000

I recently attended Girlfriend Weekend, the Pulpwood Queens Book Club annual gathering. This year's event included a vintage fashion show & I was asked to model a vintage dress (vintage clothes are tiny y'all!). As I'm half-dressed and laughing my head off with several other women, I stop mid-sentence and ask one of the ladies "are you Shellie?" She confirmed that she was in fact author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson. I was starstruck as I was on the launch team in 2014 for Shellie's book Heart Wide Open & I was honored to be asked to join her launch team for Finding Deep & Wide: Stop Settling for the Life You Have and Live the One Jesus Died to Give You. Isn't that an amazing title!?

Over the last year & a half, I have committed to getting up earlier than my family to have time to focus on my devotionals & work to pray more intently. I yearn to feel a close connection to God; however, sometimes I struggle to focus. I know I'm not alone as Shellie has written a whole book dedicated to helping us find a deep & wide connection with God.

Shellie is raw and honest saying she spent too many years of her Christian life feeling like God was with her while doing something considered holy, but the rest of the time He was shouting distance away. Can’t we all relate? Shellie breaks down the scriptures in an easy-to-understand way showing us that through Jesus we have access to God in every moment of our lives. She helps readers see that we don’t have to be on a visitation schedule with God - we can love with Him and in Him 24/7 with a deep and wide relationship.

Shellie has an amazing talent for breaking the ice with her terrific sense of humor that segues into God’s word and how it applies to our everyday lives. Reading this book is like sitting down with you Southern best friend (she is from Louisiana y’all) while she shares her testimony in a genuine way that opens your heart up to a closer relationship with the Lord. This book is not hard-to-read theology, but pure love poured from God through Shellie for us to utilize in our journeys.

I’m sure so many of us need to hear this - God is with us in ALL moments. We don’t have to wait for quiet time and seclusion. God joins us in the thick of life. Talk about good news! Shellie teaches us about the forever favor we have with God through Jesus so we will be “less prone to settle for status quo twenty-first century Christianity and the more courage we’ll have to reach for the deep and wide life.” I pray you will give this book a chance and let it work on your heart as it has mine.

Note: This book is available for purchase through well-known book selling sites; however, I recently discovered Bookshop.org that uses a portion of sales to support independent book stores! Shellie's book is available here.

Thank you!

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:43:00 +0000

We hosted the 10th Annual Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience on November 23rd & 24th, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas! The charitable raffle, photos with Santa, and event tee sales raised $3,698.00 for DFW Toys for Tots and the Humane Society of North Texas! Also, 27 pets were adopted at the event!!! Many thanks to all who attended, participated & contributed items to our swag bags last month (list below).

Avery Elle • Plaid Enterprises Inc. • Picket Fence Studios • Tandy Leather • Moda Fabrics + Supplies • Faded Memories • DecoArt • Tombow USA • Lawn Fawn • Holly's Handmades • Vunkology • In the Blue Moon • A Joy Forever Bath + Body • Brazed Brand • Sparky's Sparkles • Fort Worth Songwriters Association • Craftibly • The Stitchin' Chicks • The Crafter Way • One Crazy Grandma • Scheretta Scott, Realtor • On A Whim Creations • Pritti Kitti Soap Products

Two Events Coming in March

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 23:11:00 +0000

For over 10 years, Funky Finds has been producing some of the best and largest handmade events in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. On March 9th & 10th, 2019, Funky Finds will host TWO amazing shopping markets at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

The 11th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling will feature over 100 area makers selling items they personally hand-crafted. In addition to the popular handmade artisan market, Funky Finds will be hosting Pearl Snaps & Dust: Upscale Vintage with a Little Bit of Rust.

Through the years, Funky Finds has established a large customer base that values shopping local for unique & funky items. We are excited to offer our loyal event attendees an additional venue offering vintage wares, adding an exciting new dimension to their shopping experience.

Pearl Snaps & Dust will feature live music & we are currently accepting submissions from interested performers. As always, the Spring Fling will include a charitable raffle benefiting CASA of Tarrant County and the Humane Society of North Texas, as well as on-site pet adoptions. Both events will be held side-by-side in the newly renovated Small Exhibits and Cattle 1 buildings at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The vendor application deadline for both March events is January 6th, 2019.

The 9th Annual Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience was held on November 17th and 18th and was enjoyed by thousands of area shoppers that value shopping small & supporting local businesses. A total of $3,605.00 was raised for DFW Toys for Tots and the Humane Society of North Texas and 35 pets were adopted at the event.

Sponsorship & advertising opportunities are also available for both March events. Complete details for vendors, musical performers & business owners wishing to advertise their business can be found at www.FunkyFinds.com.

Exciting News!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:10:00 +0000

Today we launched a brand new website featuring our new logo. You'll notice that the new logo now includes the tagline Handmade and Vintage events. Starting in March 2019, we will be hosting TWO events!

For over 10 years, Funky Finds has been producing some of the best and largest shopping events in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. On March 9th and 10th, shoppers will have two funky events to enjoy in Fort Worth, Texas.

The 11th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling is an all handmade shopping event that's family and pet-friendly. It will be held in the newly renovated Cattle 1 Building building at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Next door to the Spring Fling, Funky Finds will debut Pearl Snaps & Dust: Upscale Vintage with a Little Bit of Rust. This will be an event showcasing vendors that curate a funky mix of vintage, antique and/or repurposed items in the newly renovated Small Exhibits Barn.

Applications for both events will be open November 1st through January 6th on www.FunkyFinds.com. Subscribe to our email newsletter in order to receive notifications & updates regarding events!

Vendor Apps Now Open!

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 18:34:00 +0000

We are now accepting vendor applications for the Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience!

Application deadline is August 13th, 2017.

Also accepting sponsors, advertisers, and swag contributions!

Shop Local • Shop Handmade • Shop Funky

The Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience is a FREE 2-day indoor family AND pet-friendly handmade shopping event! Held in the newly renovated Cattle Barn 2.

Bring the family and be a part of the funky fun featuring over 100 Artists, Crafters, Designers, Authors & Gourmet Food Makers selling their unique hand-crafted items! Attend Both Days...it's that FUNKY!

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th, 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 19th, 11am-4pm

WHERE: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Cattle Barn 2, 3337 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76107

EVENT FEATURES:

★ Handmade Shopping Extravaganza

★ 150 Swag Bags

★ Charitable Raffle benefiting Humane Society of North Texas & DFW Toys for Tots

★ Pet Adoptions by HSNT

★ Toys For Tots Drop Off - FREE raffle ticket with each donation!

★ Photos with SANTA CLAUS

★ Funky Finds Balloons for All

★ Event T-shirts for Charity & More!

Find items in the following categories: Accessories * Art * Authors * Bath, Body & Candles * Ceramics & Pottery * Clothing * Gourmet Food * Holiday & Seasonal * Home Goods & Decor * Jewelry * Kids & Parents * Paper Goods * Pet Goods * Photography * Plants & Arrangements

Little Motor City's Makers Market

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 19:57:00 +0000

Little Motor City's Makers Market will be held in Detroit, Texas on Saturday, June 17th. Detroit is a charming town located in NE Texas near Paris, Texas...yes, those are both REAL towns!

CandiWare

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 19:10:00 +0000

CandiWare’s tagline is “jewelry that smells good enough to eat.” Remember scratch & sniff stickers from your childhood? I don’t know about you, but I was nearly addicted to those things as a kid. CandiWare’s jewelry brings back that nostalgic feeling (and scent) with the most adorable food-themed jewelry. These hand-crafted treats not only smell good enough to eat, they look good enough to eat, too!

I was lucky enough to receive a donut ring and a pair of Berry CheeseCake Earrings and I swear it’s all I can do to keep from nibbling on these adorable adornments!!! Spend a few minutes browsing all of CandiWare’s offerings & you will no doubt have a hard time narrowing down your wish list. But I must draw your attention to the super unique tea set double finger ring. Talk about a lovely and unique gift for the tea lover in your life.

If you’re looking for a unique (and yummy smelling) treat for yourself or a pal, this is an excellent source!!!! There’s even sweet treats available for the fellas. (pictured: CandiWare creator, Candice Ware, and her too-cute-for-words pooch!)

Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest

Pulpwood Queens & Timber Guys

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 20:22:00 +0000

Funky Finds began as a blog in 2006 as a way for me to share things I love with others. Last weekend I had the privilege of spending three days at a book & author event called Girlfriend Weekend for The Pulpwood Queens & Timber Guys book club members in Nacogdoches, Texas. I am a voracious reader & I love my local book club chapter The Pulpwood Queens of NE Texas. The book club was founded in 2000 by Kathy L. Murphy and has grown to over 700 chapters worldwide. Each year at Girlfriend Weekend, attendees are able to meet a wide variety of authors who speak about their latest books, the story behind the story, and often times startling honest revelations are shared with the rapt audience. I want to share with you a few books that I read last year, some I am excited to read in the coming months, and also one man that I firmly believe needs to speak to every human in the world because he will change your life.

Sam Bracken was an abused child that began drinking & doing drugs by the age of 9. Through sports he was able to quit drugs & drinking and find a way to form & pursue his goals. His book My Orange Duffle Bag describes his life, his journey, and what he calls 7 Rules for the Road. I was so inspired by Sam because he had all odds against him; however, he rose above it all. In My Orange Duffle Bag, he says he recognized a great truth - life is not fair, but nothing good comes from sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. This is a message so many people need to hear. Sam also spoke to us about his latest book GUTS: Find Your Greatness, Beat the Odds, Live From Passion, discussing the different between grit - grinding it out day after day because you must - and guts - doing what you love. But he stressed that you should not only do what you love, but do what loves you back in turn. He also reminded us the importance of the huddle, mostly known from sports, but something you can incorporate into your daily life with those around you. Of course, your huddle needs to be made up of those who will encourage you, help you achieve your goals, and surround you with positivity. I encourage EVERYONE to read Sam's books & share them with others, especially young people.

I was totally geeked out to meet two of my favorite authors from 2016. In October, I read Cruel Beautiful World by Caroline Leavitt. The world truly is a cruel yet beautiful place and this story beautifully illustrates that fact. Caroline Leavitt has another wonderful story under her belt. This book is filled with characters Leavitt brings to life in a way that feels rich and deep. It will definitely hold your attention from start to finish. I also highly recommend Pictures of You that was published in 2011.

Our December book club pick was Ann Hood's The Book That Matters Most. This is a wonderful book about love, loss, secrets, friendship, and the healing power of literature. So many books can be billed as THE book that matters most, but it all depends on where you were in your life at the time you read that book. I always look at White Oleander as an important book in my life, not so much because of the storyline, but because i recall how it gripped me at the time I read it and it really started my love of reading. Ann Hood's book is one of mystery, rediscovery, and healing. I truly enjoyed it so much.

Here's a few more books on our 2017 list that I'm looking forward to reading:

The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale

Ladies in Low Places by Mary Ann Henry

The Book of Polly by Kathy Hepinstall Parks

Center Rind by Nicole Wagoner

World Cuisine: My Culinary Journey Around the World by Juliette Hägglund

The Velvet Hours by Allyson Richman

May Day by Karen Harrington

Lightningstruck by Ashley Mace Havird

What Matters Most by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Spring 2017 Event

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 18:11:00 +0000

The 9th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling will be held March 4th & 5th, 2017.

The vendor application deadline is January 7th, 2017.

We also have affordable advertising & sponsorship opportunities available. The sooner you sign up, the sooner we can start promoting your wonderful business!

Funky Finds Holiday Event a Success

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 18:11:00 +0000

THANK YOU!!!

We greatly appreciate all of you who attended, volunteered at, and participated in The Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience!

We are proud to announce that we broke our adoption record with TWENTY pet adoptions at the event (19 dogs, 1 mini pig)!!!

We also raised a total of $2,000.00 for the Humane Society of North Texas and DFW Toys for Tots.

Vendor Apps Now Open!

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 10:00:00 +0000

7th Annual Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience

VENDOR APPLICATIONS:

Open June 1st through July 31st, 2016

EVENT DATES:

Saturday, November 5th, 10am-5pm

Sunday, November 6th, 11am-4pm

LOCATION: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Cattle Barn 2,
3337 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76107

* * * Newly Renovated Venue! * * *

Shop Local • Shop Handmade • Shop Funky

The Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience is a FREE 2-day indoor family AND pet-friendly handmade shopping event! Held in the newly renovated Cattle Barn 2!!!!

EVENT FEATURES:

* Handmade Shopping Extravaganza

* 150 Swag Bags

* Charitable Raffle benefiting Humane Society of North Texas
& DFW Toys for Tots

* Pet Adoptions by HSNT

* Toys For Tots Drop Off - FREE raffle ticket with each donation!

* Photos with SANTA CLAUS

* Funky Finds Balloons for All

* Event T-shirts for Charity & More!

Find items in the following categories:
Accessories * Art * Authors * Bath, Body & Candles
Ceramics & Pottery * Clothing * Gourmet Food * Holiday & Seasonal
Home Goods & Decor * Jewelry * Kids & Parents * Paper Goods
Pet Goods * Photography * Plants & Arrangements

FREE Craft Party

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:19:00 +0000

Our friends at the 817ArtsAlliance are hosting a FREE Craft Party next month!

Inspired by Etsy, the DFW Artisans' Craft Party gives you an opportunity to get in touch with your creative side.

WHEN: Saturday, June 18th, 2016; 2:30-5:00pm

WHERE: Sparks Studio of Creative Arts, 509 West Main Street, Arlington, Texas

Join in a fun afternoon of crafting and great company. The first 20 attendees will receive a swag bag. You can pick up promotional literature from the event's sponsors and see a display of some creations by the artisans that helped put together the craft party, along with their business cards. Light snacks will be provided.

Two colorful, free, make and take crafts will be available. Neither is very difficult. There will be volunteers on hand to give instructions and assistance as needed. Share your creations on social media using #EtsyCraftParty

While you don't have to sign up to participate, it will help the organizers have enough supplies and snacks on hand if you will let them know you are coming by claiming your FREE ticket for Etsy Craft Party: Arlington on Eventbrite.

Coloring For All Seasons - Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 15:53:00 +0000

Coloring books, specifically adult coloring books, are currently all the rage. I was browsing the book section at a big box store the other day & there was a massive section full of very nice coloring books with various themes. If you search online, you will find tons of free coloring pages. However, if you don't have access to a printer or want a unique gift for someone, a coloring book is the way to go.

I recently received Coloring For All Seasons - Spring, a beautiful coloring book from Greenleaf Book Group, for review. It is a wonderful book full of magical Spring illustrations perfect for celebrating the season of rebirth. There are many claims that coloring is a wonderful way to relax & unwind. According to the book's description on Amazon, by concentrating on specific patterns and hues, coloring can unlock creative potential and help alleviate stress. Sounds good to me...and it's a lot cheaper than therapy! So grab a copy so you too can ‪#‎ColorAndChill‬

10 Year Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Ten years ago today, I started the Funky Finds blog, the foundation for what Funky Finds has become today. My main passion is sharing unique handmade items & independent businesses & the blog was an awesome tool for that for several years. Today we are having a blast hosting semi-annual handmade events in Fort Worth, Texas, & we continue to share the funky finds we discover via our Facebook page.

We thank each & every one of you for supporting handmade, independent businesses, and Funky Finds!

They once were funky lost, but now they are funky found!!!

8th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Ahoy! Shop Local, Shop Handmade at the
8th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling

Ahoy! Mark your calendar for the 8th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling on March 12th & 13th, matey! This year's Spring show will take on a decidedly nautical theme. We've cast a wide net to make sure we've caught only the freshest and funkiest handmade products in the retail sea. Be sure to arrive early on Saturday for the best chance at reeling in lots of choice catches. But have no fear, these vendors will be sure to keep the decks fully swabbed and well-stocked throughout the entire voyage! Most vendors accept credit cards, but your best bet for shopping is a pirate's chest of cash (on-site ATM available)!

WHEN: 10am-5pm, Saturday, March 12th
11am-4pm, Sunday, March 13th

WHERE: Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3409 Burnett-Tandy Dr.
Fort Worth, TX 76107 - Small Exhibits Building (marked Poultry Barn)

ADMISSION: FREE! All ages and pets welcome!
Parking fee payable by cash or credit card.

EVENT WEBSITE: www.funkyfinds.com/spring

The free family and pet-friendly indoor event will give your budget maximum positive impact on your local community. Know where your dollars go by shopping at Funky Finds! Money spent on products at the event go directly to the artisans "creating" their bottom line.

The Spring Fling will feature a charitable raffle benefiting The Humane Society of North Texas and CASA of Tarrant County. Proceeds go directly to the animals you'll be able to see, hear, pet, and adopt on site, and to CASA whose volunteers will be happy to tell you about volunteer opportunities and how donated funds benefit their efforts.To date, Funky Finds has raised over $30,000.00 for local charities and over 125 animals have found a forever home at Funky Finds events!

Funky Finds events are unique because of the time spent jurying the applicants to find the funkiest mix of makers! All items are hand-crafted or hand-altered by the artisan selling at the event. This event is the perfect opportunity to support the local economy, local arts community, local charities, and purchase one-of-a-kind products!

The Spring Fling is generously sponsored by Quackerbox Creations, Ltd., wildtoad toffee, JEMS Body Art, The Referral Resource Guide, Plaid Crafts, The Fort Worth Makerspace,
Align Chiropractic, Quirk Books, Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, and Right On! Graphics.

GIVEAWAY: Black-Eyed Susans

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:22:00 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin. As a born & raised Texan with close ties to Fort Worth, I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading & found that the story is set in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The author grew up in Decatur, Texas, which is near Ponder, Texas, the setting for her previous novel Playing Dead. (Author portrait by Jill Johnson)

Here is a description of Black-Eyed Susans:

For fans of Laura Lippman and Gillian Flynn comes an electrifying novel of stunning psychological suspense.

A girl's memory lost in a field of wildflowers.

A killer still spreading seeds.

At seventeen, Tessa became famous for being the only surviving victim of a vicious serial killer. Her testimony put him on death row. Decades later, a mother herself, she receives a message from a monster who should be in prison. Now, as the execution date rapidly approaches, Tessa is forced to confront a chilling possibility: Did she help convict the wrong man?

Of course, these days just about every mystery is compared to Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl. However, Julia Heaberlin earns the high praise, but is definitely her own type of author. I am a big fan of mysteries, but I don't like gore. Black-Eyed Susans was the perfect book for me because it kept me interested from page one, had me in suspense, but wasn't graphic and scary like many other suspenseful mysteries, especially one about a serial killer!

I am really looking forward to reading Julia's previous books, Lie Still and Playing Dead. All are set in Texas, but please don't let that deter you if you aren't a Texan! If you are a Texas resident, be sure to check out one of Julia's upcoming book signings celebrating the release of Black-Eyed Susans.

US release date August 11th
UK release date August 14th

August 11th, 7 p.m. • Black-Eyed Susans Publication Day • Talk & Signing

Barnes & Noble - Hulen Center, 4801 Overton Ridge Blvd. #100, Fort Worth, TX

August 17th, 6:30 p.m. • Talk & Signing

Decatur Public Library, 1700 S. Hwy 51, Decatur, TX

More events listed on Julia's website.

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Chey-Anne Smart & @daniewoods (Instagram) ***

PRIZE: Two lucky winners will receive a copy of
Black-Eyed Susans! (US residents only)

TO ENTER: Like author Julia Heaberlin on Facebook and leave a comment noting you have done so.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Share this giveaway on Facebook or another social media site, then leave a comment noting that you shared.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Leave a comment noting a favorite book you have recently read.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Visit our Instagram feed @funky_finds & like the photo of Black-Eyed Susans for an extra chance!

Giveaway ends at 6pm CST, Friday, July 31st, 2015.

Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:24:00 +0000

Shop Local • Shop Handmade • Shop Funky

The Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience will be held Saturday, November 7th, 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 8th, 11am-4pm.

As always, the event will be held in the small exhibits building (aka Poultry Barn) at the Will Rogers Memorial Center located at 3409 Burnett-Tandy Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

Vendor applications are now open through July 31st!
You can find all the detailed vendor information here.

We are also accepting advertisers & sponsors for this event. The sooner you reserve your ad or commit to a sponsor package, the sooner we can begin promoting your funky business!

The Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience is a FREE 2-day family AND pet-friendly handmade shopping event!

Bring the family and be a part of the funky fun featuring over 100 Artists, Crafters, Designers, Authors & Gourmet Food Makers selling their unique hand-crafted items!

Attend Both Days...it's that FUNKY!

EVENT FEATURES:

• Handmade Shopping Extravaganza
• 150 Swag Bags & Charitable Raffle

• Pet Adoptions by HSNT • Toys For Tots Drop Off

• Photos with SANTA CLAUS • Funky Finds Balloons for All

• Event T-shirts for Charity & More!

Find items in the following categories:

Accessories • Art • Authors • Bath, Body & Candles • Ceramics & Pottery • Clothing • Gourmet Food • Holiday & Seasonal • Home Goods & Decor • Jewelry • Kids & Parents • Paper Goods • Pet Goods • Photography • Plants

GIVEAWAY: Doodle Lit

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Thu, 21 May 2015 20:26:00 +0000

If you've been online at all in the last month or so, you've no doubt heard about the hot trend of adult coloring books. The trend is so hot that Yahoo! News reported last month that the two best-selling books on Amazon were adult coloring books! These coloring books that specifically target adults come in a variety of subjects, ranging from detailed illustrations as seen in Johanna Basford's "Secret Garden" to celebrity memes as seen in Mel Elliott's "Colour Me Good Ryan Gosling." (photo from Johanna Basford's Instagram @johannabasford)

I recently had the pleasure of receiving a copy of "Doodle Lit", an oversized doodling book that leads doodlers through Austen, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, the Bronte sisters, and more. The book is extremely large ensuring you get lots of bang for your buck! It includes various prompts & activities that encourage you to doodle miscellaneous things. The best part is that all the activities are based on classic tales, such as Dracula and Pride and Prejudice. (photo from Doodle Lit)

Another plus is that this book isn't just for adults. It would be a fun & creative way to introduce young ones to the classics. The book's creators, Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver, are well known for their adorable BabyLit books that help introduce toddlers to classic literature with beautiful illustrations and charming prose. Their website also features unique playsets, dolls & much more. (photo from Doodle Lit)

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats mousee23! ***

PRIZE: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Doodle Lit (pictured)!

TO ENTER: Like BabyLit on Facebook and leave a comment noting you have done so.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Share this giveaway on Facebook or another social media site, then leave a comment noting that you shared.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Leave a comment noting why you would love to win this fabulous book!

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Visit our Instagram feed @funky_finds & like the photo of DoodleLit for an extra chance!

Giveaway ends at 6pm CST, Friday, June 5th, 2015.

GIVEAWAY: Billy Grrrl

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 10:00:00 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Laura Hughes, the creative force behind Billy Grrrl. Her Etsy shop is full of fun, colorful modern needlepoint and DIY needlepoint kits. She also offers Polaroid photography, Rorschach art, landscape photography, and women's winter hats.

1. Please give us a short background description of yourself.

I’m originally from Cleveland Ohio and live in New York City. When I’m not creating (this is now what I do full time) I am working out (yoga, pilates, biking), visiting galleries / museums, reading, and exploring NYC while walking my dog Billy (a 16 year old Jack Russell Mix). She’s cute and feisty which is why the name is Billy Grrrl.

2. How did you get started crafting?

I’ve been crafting since I was a kid. I never thought I was good at it, but I loved working with my hands. I went through periods when I wasn’t crafting, but I feel more balanced when I do craft - it’s my meditation.

3. What is your specialty & why did you choose it?

Needlepoint is my specialty though I also like cross stitch, rug hooking and crochet. I don’t know why I chose needlepoint, it just felt right and comfortable. It was a struggle to learn at first, but once I found my rhythm I never turned back. I really enjoy working with small canvases since I can travel with them and finish them easily. This is why I design small kits. People would ask me what I was doing and where they could get one.

4. What inspires you?

I am inspired daily by different things. I love the colors and patterns of the 60’s and 70’s (textile design, furniture, clothes, wallpaper, etc). Discovering new artists is very inspiring which is why I’ve kept a blog since 2008. Nature - especially animals and insects. The characters I design are inspired by this. When I’m stitching I listen to music or podcasts. I get inspired by other people’s stories.

5. What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade means everything to me. I am so attracted to objects that have been made by hand. This is especially true in needlework. I know there are great machine embroidered items out there, but nothing beats the real deal. It’s the difference of wearing a really great handmade sweater vs. a machine-made one. There is beauty in the imperfections you get with handmade. There is no way a machine can duplicate this. I love watching videos of artisans doing handwork on couture clothing, arm knitting, or this link from the British company Mulberry. The women in this video are fantastic!

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Lindsay McCain! ***

PRIZE: One lucky winner will receive a Skull Embroidery Beginner Needlepoint Kit (pictured) from Billy Grrrl.

TO ENTER: Like Billy Grrrl on Facebook and leave a comment noting you have done so.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Share this giveaway on Facebook or another social media site, then leave a comment noting that you shared.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Leave a comment noting why you would love to win this fabulous kit!

Giveaway ends at 6pm CST, Tuesday, May 5th, 2015.

Craft-A-Day apps on sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Quirk Books has a special treat for you as we creep
closer to the holidays.

Through January 8th, their four seasonal Craft-A-Day apps are specially priced at a mere $0.99 each!

The four seasonal Craft-A-Day iPad apps offer daily inspiration based on seasonal themes to kickstart creativity. With easy-to-follow instructions, free downloadable patterns, links for supplies, and fun animations, Craft-a-Day challenges you to make something special every day!

• Craft-A-Day Winter: Decorate your home with a Felt Snowman
tree ornament; visit family in style with a Mini Snowman Gift Tag;
or make your own Plush Fox.

• Craft-A-Day Spring: Craft an adorable Bunny Finger Puppet; Paper Butterfly Mobile; or keep your books dry in a Rain Drop Tote Bag.

• Craft-A-Day Summer: Celebrate the harvest with a Strawberry Garland; brighten your fridge with a Turtle Magnet;
or work-from-home outside with a Dog Gadget Sleeve.

• Craft-A-Day Fall: Make a Pumpkin Garland; Leaf Gift Tag for Thanksgiving travel; or show off with a Witch Hat Barrette
for Halloween.

With any or all of these apps, you can:

• Find new ideas for making craft projects each day of the season

• Browse loads of simple seasonal crafts anyone can make

• Follow handy patterns, how-to photos and animations

• Print free downloadable craft patterns and templates

• Share your crafts with friends via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and email

• And much more!

You can learn more about the Craft-a-day book here!

7th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +0000

We are currently accepting vendor applications for the
7th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling!

Application Deadline: January 4th, 2015

Handmade applicants only, please!

Event Dates: Saturday, March 7th, 10am-5pm and

Sunday, March 8th, 11am-4pm

Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3409 Burnett-Tandy Drive,
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Shop Local • Shop Handmade • Shop Funky

The 7th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling is a FREE 2-day family AND pet-friendly handmade shopping event!

Bring the family and be a part of the funky fun featuring over 120 Artists, Crafters, Designers, Authors & Food Makers selling their unique hand-crafted items! Attend Both Days...it's that FUNKY!

EVENT FEATURES:

* 100+ Makers Selling Uniquely Hand-crafted Wares

* 150 Swag Bags & Charitable Raffle

* Pet Adoptions by HSNT

* Funky Finds Balloons for All

* Event T-shirts for Charity & More!

Find items in the following categories: Accessories * Art * Authors
Bath, Body & Candles * Ceramics & Pottery * Clothing * Food
Holiday & Seasonal * Home Goods & Decor * Jewelry
Kids & Parents * Stationery & Paper Goods * Pet Goods
Photography * Plants

Etsy NY Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Shop for creative gifts and support
small businesses this holiday season!

The Etsy NY Street Team is back this year to serve as your holiday elf with the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade! More than 60 makers from the tri-state area will gather to sell their unique creations providing the community with the opportunity to support local & purchase unique gifts. The event will feature a vast selection of handmade goods including clothing, jewelry, paper goods, body products, eco-friendly finds, and so much more.

Preview the vendors’ offerings by visiting the Etsy Local page for the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade. There, you’ll be able to check out who will be selling at the event, start creating those shopping lists, and even take advantage of some Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday deals ahead of the Cavalcade!

Other event highlights include goody bags for the first 100 shoppers each day, several raffle packages that will be up for grabs and Cavalcade sponsor Etsy will be on hand to offer free gift wrapping for any purchases made at the event. Also, Kiva Zip will also be on hand to answer questions about person-to-person lending.

Please note that shoppers will have the opportunity to give back to their community by donating gently used coats for the New York Cares 26th Annual Coat Drive!

WHEN: Saturday, December 13th &

Sunday, December 14th, 10am-8pm

WHERE: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave. (btwn 15th & 16th St.),

New York, New York (In the pop-up space across from Amy's Bread)

ADMISSION: Free!

MORE INFO: Facebook Event Page • Website

Holiday Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Visit The Shops @ Funky Finds to see all the wonderful
handmade products available!

This holiday season, shift your spending to support individuals
and small business owners!

1. Funky Jazz Fine Art • 2. Ev Custom Pens • 3. sawitforyou

4. Sawdust and Bullets • 5. Thunder Colors • 6. Flies in the Buttermilk

7. Black Dragonfly Designs • 8. Stitchez & Stonez • 9. Healthy Earth

10. daLea Art Creations by Dana Lynch • 11. Rock N Rose Creek

12. Old Wellhouse • 13. Just Simply aDOORable

14. Rhinestones And More • 15. S L Jewelry Designs

16. Young Ideas Jewelry Designs by Elizabeth Young
17. RAW Wood Design by Gene

18. BeeLee Bags • 19. JeanieJims

20. Vischer Ferry Stained Glass • 21. Cobbler's Cottage Studio

22. Texas Ambiance • 23. Kate's Country Girl Creations
24. Three Spirits Creations

25. The Artful Penguin • 26. TabbyCat & Co

27. Craftylas Creations • 28. Embroidery by Andrea

29. Delightful Decor • 30. ABCbirdhouses • 31. AngelCow Designs

32. Acai Jewelry • 33. Stephanie's Creations

Funky Finds Event Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who had a hand in making the Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience a success! We greatly appreciate all attendees, vendors, and sponsors! Visit our Facebook page to see photos from the event!

Through the charitable raffle, t-shirt sales, photos with Santa, and monetary donations, we raised $3,000.00 that has been split evenly between The Humane Society of North Texas and DFW Toys for Tots.

Many thanks to all the vendors, sponsors & other generous donors for providing raffle & swag bag items and to everyone who purchased raffle tickets!!!

Attendees generously donated over $500.00 in cash donations to Don’t Forget to Feed Me who also collected 181 pounds of pet food!!!

Also, TWELVE dogs were adopted at the event!!!

THIS WEEKEND! Funky Finds Event

noreply@blogger.com (Funky Finds) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +0000

It's finally time for the Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience,
a FREE two-day family AND pet-friendly handmade shopping extravaganza! Join us for a fun-filled handmade weekend!!!!

WHEN: Saturday, November 15th, 10am-5pm
Sunday, November 16th, 11am-4pm

WHERE: Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3409 Burnett-Tandy Drive,
Fort Worth, TX 76107 • Directions

Shop Local • Shop Handmade • Shop Funky

Bring the family and be a part of the funky fun featuring over 120 Artists, Crafters, Designers, & Food Makers selling their unique hand-crafted items! Attend Both Days...it's that FUNKY!

EVENT FEATURES:

* Over 120 Artisans Selling Unique Items

* 150 Swag Bags

* Charitable Raffle benefiting HSNT and Toys for Tots

* Pet Adoptions by HSNT

* Toys For Tots Drop Off

* Photos with SANTA CLAUS - Families & Pets Welcome!

* Funky Finds Balloons for All

* Event T-shirts for Charity

* Much More!

Find items in the following categories:

Accessories • Art • Bath, Body & Candles
Ceramics & Pottery • Clothing • Food
Holiday & Seasonal • Home Goods & Decor • Jewelry
Kids & Parents • Stationery & Paper Goods • Pet Goods
Photography • Plants & Arrangements